Is There Really a Cure???
This week, let’s tackle a very controversial subject in the field of addiction treatment – does recovery from addiction or alcoholism involve finding a cure?
Some medical professionals, as well as treatment models, believe a cure lies in the form of a pill. Antabuse and Methadone are probably the most familiar replacement drugs used to treat alcohol or opiate addiction. The idea of replacement therapy is that by creating a medication that safely fulfill the needs of the addiction, the addicted person will be able to live a productive life.
Looking at this solution from a rational perspective, it would appear that the medication acts as a crutch for the addict to rely on. In other words, it simply creates a new addiction to the medication meant to cure the ailment. An example can be seen at local methadone clinics, where hundreds line up to get their daily allotment of the medication. It is apparent that this is the lesser of two evils, but the reality is that it doesn’t support the theory of the cure to addiction coming in the form of a pill.
The polar opposite school of thought comes from the 12 Step perspective. The core thought being, “We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.” This idea can be compared to a person suffering from cancer.
Once someone is diagnosed with cancer and receives successful treatment – it is never considered ‘cured.’ It may go into remission, but the chance always remains that it can return without reason or notice. According to the 12 Steps, addiction works just the same way – the disease is never cured, rather it is arrested for a period of time and can return if the work is not done to keep it at bay.
In the final analysis, it is up to each individual to decide for themselves how they view addiction. What do you think?
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November 12th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Thanks for the post.
Well, as you know, as it is there is no acutal cure for alcoholism or other drug addiction. Taking a pill to stop the effects or make oneself become ill if they drink or drug is not actually curing it, just masking the addiction.
November 24th, 2009 at 3:23 am
Thanks for sharing your view,
Well, Sometimes the alcoholic’s & druggist biggest enemy is themselves. Their mindset and behavior have made it almost impossible to get through the day with a steady dose of drinking. That’s why it appears like a cure, but in actuality as Mike says there is no cure for alcoholism or other drug addiction.